News Release

May 17, 2005

KCC to Host Solar Car and Bike Races

COME OUT - SEE THE FUTURE GENERATION & TECHNOLOGY AT WORK - HAVE FUN

With the support of the Kansas Corporation Commission, Topeka continues to set itself apart as the Solar Vehicle Race Capital of the World.

The Formula Sun Grand Prix is a closed-course race for solar cars. The race features nearly two-dozen, full-size solar powered cars designed and built by students from colleges and universities throughout North America. The three-day event runs Wednesday, May 18 through Friday, May 20 at Heartland Park in Topeka.

The fundamental mission of the Formula Sun Grand Prix is to promote and celebrate educational and technological excellence. Fueled by the spirit of friendly competition and teamwork, Formula Sun champions the creative integration of technical and scientific expertise across a range of exciting disciplines. The mission includes the support and encouragement of bright minds to succeed in fields of engineering, sciences, mathematics, multi-disciplined learning and in subsequent careers and endeavors.

The Formula Sun Grand Prix is also one of the qualifying races for the bi-annual American Solar Challenge race to be run July 17 - 27. The space age looking solar cars will not only go through Topeka on July 19 as they race from Austin, Texas to Calgary, Alberta in Canada, but will stop briefly for a required pit stop.

On Sunday, May 22, approximately 30 teams of high school students will participate in the annual Solar BikeRayce. The closed-course race of solar powered bikes is geared to stimulate interest in science and technology and to raise awareness of alternative energy sources.

Each year the two events grow in size and interest in both participants and spectators, as the reality of the need for alternative, renewable energy powered vehicles increases.

Editor’s Note: Additional information is available at the following website links.

Race Schedule -- www.kcc.state.ks.us/energy/FunInTheSunPoster05.pdf

List of Participants -- www.formulasun.org/fsgp/event/fsgp2005/teams/teamlist_ks.html